Empty seats won't be a problem at big finale

Surrey have assured England that there will be sell-out crowds to cheer Michael Vaughan and his men at The Oval in the Fourth Test.

England Cricket Board executives were disappointed to see Edgbaston, which has a capacity of 21,000, only two-thirds full on the first two days of the Third Test against South Africa.

The poor performance of Vaughan's team at Headingley in the Second Test may have persuaded some spectators to save their money, but the unusual Wednesday start, brought about by the International Cricket Council's demand for three clear days between Tests, may also have been a factor.

There should be no worries at The Oval. The ground is already sold out next Thursday and Friday, and Surrey are optimistic the remaining tickets for Saturday and Sunday will go, especially if the series is still alive.